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Home / Equine Research Bank / Aust Vet J / Isolation of Ross River virus from mosquitoes and from horse...
Australian veterinary journal2004; 81(6); 344-347; doi: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.2003.tb11511.x

Isolation of Ross River virus from mosquitoes and from horses with signs of musculo-skeletal disease.

Abstract: To report clinical and clinicopathological findings in horses naturally infected with Ross River virus (RRV) and identify likely mosquito arbovirus vector species. Methods: Veterinarians submitted serum samples from 750 horses because they suspected Ross River virus (RRV) infection. The samples were tested for the presence of IgM and IgG antibody to RRV and for the presence of virus. Mosquitoes were trapped, differentiated to species level and tested for the presence of RRV by virus isolation. Results: RRV was isolated from six species of mosquitoes (Ochlerotatus camptorhyncus, Culex globocoxitus, Cx. australicus, Cx. annulirostris, Cx. quinquefasciatus, Anopheles annulipes) and from 13 horses with clinical signs of musculo-skeletal disease. Antibody to RRV was detected in 420 of the 750 serum samples; 307 contained IgG only; 76 contained both IgM and IgG and 37 contained only IgM antibody to RRV. Virus was isolated from horses with IgM antibody only. Conclusions: RRV can be isolated from infected horses during the short time period when there is an overlap of clinical signs, positive IgM serology and viraemia. Early spring infections of horses may occur if RRV infected mosquito vectors are present. RRV has not been shown to cause clinical disease in horses. This is the first report of isolation of RRV from Oc. camptorhyncus in the Murray region and indicates a potential for infection of humans and animals in autumn as well as in spring.
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Publication Date: 2004-04-15 PubMed ID: 15080456DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.2003.tb11511.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

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This study investigates the clinical effects of Ross River virus (RRV) in horses and the possible mosquito species that could be carrying this virus. The research data shows that RRV can be detected in horses showing clinical symptoms of musculo-skeletal disease and also identifies six types of mosquitoes that can potentially be carrying the virus.

Methodology

  • The research collected serum samples from 750 horses whose veterinaries suspected infection with RRV.
  • These samples were tested for the presence of two types of antibodies – IgM and IgG – related to RRV response, as well as the presence of the viral organism itself.
  • Additionally, the researchers trapped mosquitoes, classified their species, and tested these insects for RRV infection.

Results

  • The research successfully isolated RRV from six mosquito species: Ochlerotatus camptorhyncus, Culex globocoxitus, Cx. australicus, Cx. annulirostris, Cx. quinquefasciatus, Anopheles annulipes.
  • RRV was also isolated from 13 horses manifesting clinical signs of musculo-skeletal diseases.
  • Out of the 750 serum samples, antibodies related to RRV were traced in 420 samples.
  • Among these, 307 samples only contained IgG antibodies; 76 samples had both IgM and IgG; and in 37 samples, only IgM antibodies were found.
  • The virus was notably isolated from horses that only had IgM antibodies.

Conclusions

  • The study deduced that RRV could be observed in infected horses during a brief period that coincides with the appearance of certain clinical symptoms, positive IgM serology, and viraemia (the presence of viruses in the bloodstream).
  • The research suggests that early spring infections could occur in horses if mosquitoes infected with RRV are in the vicinity.
  • Although RRV has not been proven to cause clinical disease in horses, it’s infection and the presence of its antibodies can be linked with musculo-skeletal disease symptoms.
  • The study importantly reports for the first time the isolation of RRV from the mosquito species, Oc. camptorhyncus in the Murray region which implies a potential for RRV infection in humans and animals during autumn as well as in spring.

Cite This Article

APA
Azuolas JK, Wishart E, Bibby S, Ainsworth C. (2004). Isolation of Ross River virus from mosquitoes and from horses with signs of musculo-skeletal disease. Aust Vet J, 81(6), 344-347. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-0813.2003.tb11511.x

Publication

Australian veterinary journal
ISSN: 0005-0423
NlmUniqueID: 0370616
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 81
Issue: 6
Pages: 344-347

Researcher Affiliations

Azuolas, J K
  • Victorian Institute of Animal Science, 475 Mickleham Road, Attwood, Victoria 3049.
Wishart, E
    Bibby, S
      Ainsworth, C

        MeSH Terms

        • Alphavirus Infections / epidemiology
        • Alphavirus Infections / veterinary
        • Alphavirus Infections / virology
        • Animals
        • Antibodies, Viral / analysis
        • Culicidae / virology
        • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / veterinary
        • Gait Ataxia / epidemiology
        • Gait Ataxia / veterinary
        • Gait Ataxia / virology
        • Horse Diseases / blood
        • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
        • Horse Diseases / etiology
        • Horse Diseases / transmission
        • Horse Diseases / virology
        • Horses
        • Insect Vectors / virology
        • Records / veterinary
        • Retrospective Studies
        • Ross River virus / immunology
        • Ross River virus / isolation & purification
        • Victoria / epidemiology

        Citations

        This article has been cited 12 times.
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